Montana to North Dakota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 524 miles from Montana to North Dakota falls between $602 and $880. Delivery typically takes one–six days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our North Dakota to Montana car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Montana to North Dakota car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Montana to North Dakota:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for exact pickup dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Montana
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Montana that can relocate your vehicle to North Dakota:
- Turbo Auto Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Big Sky Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Turbo Auto Transport
5001 49th St. SW, Great Falls, MT 59404 US
turboautotransport.com
3.56 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise the service as the best in Great Falls, Montana, highlighting exceptional customer service and expertise in truck and trailer repairs. Some emphasize the positive atmosphere and helpful staff, underscoring their willingness to assist with vehicle needs. However, no significant complaints or issues were noted, indicating overall satisfaction with the services provided.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1482475
Alternative Business Names
- Turbo Transportation Group, LLC
Big Sky Auto Transport
4825 53rd Avenue SW, Great Falls, MT 59404 US
bigskyautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers overwhelmingly praise Big Sky Auto Transport for their excellent communication, timely service, and the professionalism of their drivers. Many noted the special attention provided by the staff, making the process smooth and reassuring. However, some reviews did not mention any significant negatives, indicating overall satisfaction with the service.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 598761
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Montana to North Dakota
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Montana to North Dakota, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 524 miles on your car to travel between Montana and North Dakota. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Montana to North Dakota is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Montana to North Dakota auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Montana and North Dakota. The average travel distance is about 524 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from one to six days.
Cost to ship a car from Billings, MT to North Dakota
| From Montana to North Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT to Fargo, ND | $682 – $1,018 | 609 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Billings, MT to Bismarck, ND | $565 – $759 | 415 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Billings, MT to Grand Forks, ND | $745 – $1,081 | 666 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Billings, MT to Minot, ND | $611 – $789 | 441 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Billings, MT to West Fargo, ND | $668 – $939 | 601 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Missoula, MT to North Dakota
| From Montana to North Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missoula, MT to Fargo, ND | $782 – $1,187 | 950 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Missoula, MT to Bismarck, ND | $741 – $1,095 | 756 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Missoula, MT to Grand Forks, ND | $792 – $1,267 | 1,007 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Missoula, MT to Minot, ND | $754 – $1,054 | 704 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Missoula, MT to West Fargo, ND | $767 – $1,201 | 943 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Great Falls, MT to North Dakota
| From Montana to North Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT to Fargo, ND | $748 – $1,130 | 738 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Bismarck, ND | $679 – $866 | 544 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Grand Forks, ND | $780 – $1,140 | 750 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Great Falls, MT to Minot, ND | $620 – $911 | 540 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Great Falls, MT to West Fargo, ND | $718 – $1,042 | 731 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bozeman, MT to North Dakota
| From Montana to North Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT to Fargo, ND | $726 – $1,108 | 749 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Bismarck, ND | $697 – $877 | 554 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Grand Forks, ND | $817 – $1,177 | 806 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bozeman, MT to Minot, ND | $701 – $989 | 581 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Bozeman, MT to West Fargo, ND | $764 – $1,064 | 741 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Butte, MT to North Dakota
| From Montana to North Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butte, MT to Fargo, ND | $767 – $1,171 | 834 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Butte, MT to Bismarck, ND | $696 – $974 | 639 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Butte, MT to Grand Forks, ND | $789 – $1,152 | 890 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Butte, MT to Minot, ND | $709 – $1,081 | 666 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Butte, MT to West Fargo, ND | $822 – $1,171 | 826 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Montana to North Dakota
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Montana to North Dakota you should expect to pay between $753 and $1,100.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Montana to North Dakota
When moving your vehicle from the Big Sky Country to the Peace Garden State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to North Dakota.
- Distance and route: The journey from Montana to North Dakota spans about 524 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Montana in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Montana and North Dakota and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within one–six days, but expedited options cost more.
North Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to North Dakota, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: North Dakota mandates that all vehicles carry minimum liability insurance coverage, which includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage. Additionally, drivers must have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Basic personal injury protection is also required, providing $150 per week with a maximum of $30,000.
- Vehicle inspection: As a new resident in North Dakota, you have 90 days to have your vehicle inspected and registered in the state. There is no requirement for smog or emissions testing in North Dakota.
- Driver’s license: If you’ve just moved to North Dakota, visit a Driver's License and Testing office, make an appointment for road tests, bring proof of current name and date of birth, and pay applicable fees to get a new driver’s license.
- Additional taxes: Proof of taxes paid in the state of purchase is required to be exempt from North Dakota excise tax for out-of-state vehicle purchases. No tax reciprocity for foreign purchases, taxes due at 5% on purchase price (based on exchange rate).
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Montana
More than 1.1 million people call Montana home. Nicknamed the Big Sky Country. Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east.
Transporting your vehicle to North Dakota
About 783,926 people are living in the Peace Garden State. North Dakota has warm summers and cold winters. The temperature differences are significant because of its far inland position and being roughly equal distance from the North Pole and the Equator.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Montana and delivery in North Dakota?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Montana and when dropping it off in North Dakota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Montana to North Dakota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Montana to North Dakota, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to North Dakota, which you should verify before loading your car in Montana.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.
North Dakota mandates that all vehicles carry minimum liability insurance coverage, which includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage. Additionally, drivers must have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Basic personal injury protection is also required, providing $150 per week with a maximum of $30,000.
How long does it take to ship a car from Montana to North Dakota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Montana to North Dakota is about 524 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Montana to North Dakota.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
As a new resident in North Dakota, you have 90 days to have your vehicle inspected and registered in the state. There is no requirement for smog or emissions testing in North Dakota.
If I have a driver’s license in Montana, will I need one in North Dakota?
If you’ve just moved to North Dakota, visit a Driver's License and Testing office, make an appointment for road tests, bring proof of current name and date of birth, and pay applicable fees to get a new driver’s license.
If I bought a car in Montana, will I be required to pay sales tax in North Dakota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Montana to North Dakota after purchasing it.
Proof of taxes paid in the state of purchase is required to be exempt from North Dakota excise tax for out-of-state vehicle purchases. No tax reciprocity for foreign purchases, taxes due at 5% on purchase price (based on exchange rate).
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Montana and North Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Montana to North Dakota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Montana to North Dakota is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Montana to North Dakota?
Shipping a car from Montana to North Dakota costs $602 to $880.
